We wash a huge blanket so that it remains fluffy and soft

A soft, warm blanket is associated with comfort, coziness and silence. It’s so nice on a cold winter evening, sitting comfortably in a rocking chair and covered with a fluffy blanket, reading an interesting book or watching your favorite movie. However, any textile becomes dirty over time, and then the housewife has a question: how to wash a blanket correctly? How you clean this bulky product depends on the material it is made from.

Which product can be washed?

Cleaning any textile begins with reading the manufacturer's care information on the label. Not so long ago, the word “plaid” meant a thick blanket made of wool, cashmere or alpaca, knitted by hand, which could only be washed by hand. Today on sale you can find similar products made from cotton and linen, fleece and polyester, microfiber and bamboo. All of them are industrially manufactured using the latest technology and durable dyes and are easily machine washable.

The choice of cleaning method depends on the following factors:

• composition of the fabric from which the textiles are made;
• the presence of complex dirt and stains;
• dye fastness;
• product volume.

Usually, only thin small blankets made of lightweight materials are machine washed: nylon, polyester, fleece. The main thing is that there is enough free space left in the drum after the item that needs cleaning is placed there.

To wash a blanket as rarely as possible, it must be stored correctly:

• in a paper or fabric bag with good ventilation (not in a plastic bag);
• fold into a roll to avoid creases;
• protect from moths.

Usually such things are washed 2-3 times a year. It is better to clean local stains using a stain remover or by washing the stained area with laundry soap.

Woolen blankets, capes and bedspreads

A wool blanket is a classic option. Warm, comfortable, durable, breathable. Sometimes, in order to refresh textiles made from natural wool, it is enough to air it for a while by hanging it outside or on the balcony. If the product is heavily soiled, it can be washed at home, although this is not an easy job. Despite the fact that many washing machines have a “Wool” mode, it is not advisable to use the machine. It is better to do a gentle hand wash.

First of all, you need to decide on a detergent. Experts advise using a special gel for washing woolen products. It washes clothes well in not too hot water and washes out well when rinsed. Instead of gel, you can use baby soap or regular hair shampoo. Soap is made into small shavings, which are thoroughly dissolved in water. The main thing is to achieve abundant foam. When rinsing the blanket, so that it remains soft and fluffy, add conditioner to the water.

Hand washing a wool blanket is carried out as follows:

1. fill a large container (basin or bath) with water whose temperature does not exceed 30°C;
2. add detergent and whip up rich foam;
3. soak the item for 15 minutes;
4. wash with light progressive movements, then pulling out, then plunging back into the liquid;
5. Rinse the item several times in cool water, adding conditioner during the last rinse.

In order not to damage the structure of the wool fiber, the product is not wrung out or twisted.

After washing, the blanket is removed from the water and laid out on a wire rack installed above the bathtub. When the water has drained, the product can be dried with a towel and then laid out to dry.

The drying area must be prepared in advance. A blanket is spread on the floor or a large table, on which the wet product is laid out. To prevent the blanket from warping and shrinking in size, it can be secured with pins around the perimeter.

Silk and cashmere products are also recommended to be washed only by hand, and not twisted or wrung out.

Rules for washing synthetic blankets

Along with woolen blankets, products made from synthetic and artificial materials are very popular: fleece, microfiber, polyester, fur. Such textiles are much cheaper, but they cope with their duties - to warm and give comfort.

You can wash synthetic bedspreads either in a machine or by hand. The main thing is to find out the permissible water temperature from the information on the label before starting the process. Typically this value ranges from +30°C to +60°C.

When washing by hand, you should follow the same rules as when cleaning a wool blanket. Only spinning in the case of synthetics can be treated less carefully. A product made of polyester or microfiber can be slightly wrung out, this will not damage the material or destroy the structure of the fibers.

You can wash a large blanket in the machine using the following algorithm:

1. the product is placed in a drum without preliminary soaking;
2. gel is poured into the detergent compartment or a capsule is placed between the folds of the product;
3. set the “Synthetic” mode and water temperature +30°С - +60°С, spin – at low speeds.

After the process is completed, the product is removed from the machine and hung to dry in a well-ventilated area. Synthetic blankets should not be dried in a washing machine, on radiators or on portable heaters. When exposed to strong heat, polyester fibers become deformed and can even melt, causing the blanket to lose its shape and attractiveness.

Long pile blankets

Faux fur or “grass” is often used to make blankets. Products made from these materials are no less warm than those made from natural wool, but also fluffy, pleasant to the touch, and do not require special care.

If a fur blanket is dirty and requires washing, first of all you need to shake it out thoroughly, freeing it from dust, sand and small debris clogged between the fibers. This product can be washed by hand or in a machine, as long as it fits in the drum. To prevent a large blanket from causing imbalance when washing, it can be rolled up and tied with a rope.

Cleaning is carried out at a water temperature of +40°C, in delicate mode. When rinsing, add conditioner. You can turn on the spin, but only at low speeds. Before hanging the blanket to dry, knead it with a terry towel to remove as much liquid as possible.

Dry the faux fur item by hanging it on a line or laying it out on a flat surface. The action of water and detergent causes thin synthetic fibers to stick together, and the dried blanket looks sloppy.To return the product to its original appearance, you need to comb it with a clothes brush.

Cotton and linen blankets

In summer and spring, blankets made of cotton and linen are especially in demand. Natural materials do not require special care, but failure to properly clean them can cause the product to fade or shrink in size.

Cotton and linen bedspreads are washed in machine mode at a water temperature of +40°C, setting the switch to “Cotton”. It is better to wring out at low speeds, otherwise strong creases will form on the fabric that are difficult to smooth out with an iron.

To wash white blankets, you can use powder with oxygen bleach. Products with bright colorful colors are best washed with enzyme powder.

Large fluffy blankets are easiest to take to the dry cleaner, where they will get them in order for a reasonable amount. If this is not possible, then you can wash the product at home. The main thing is to determine exactly what material the product is made of and follow the recommendations of specialists.